Lift+

Lift+ is Thunder Bay's door-to-door paratransit service, which may be for residents and visitors who, due to a disability, are not able to use Thunder Bay Transit for all or part of their trips. Lift+ is public transit and services most locations within city limits.

Active registrant

You regularly travel on Lift+ during a 12 consecutive month period. You become inactive if you do not travel for a 12 month period. If you are inactive, you will receive a letter and will need to contact Lift+ if you need to use the service.

Appeals

If you are given a level of eligibility different than what you applied for you can appeal the decision. You must complete a Notice to Appeal form and return it to the Office of the City Clerk by the date noted in your application letter. All appeals are managed by the Office of the City Clerk. If your appeal is not heard within 30 days of filing, you will receive temporary eligibility for Lift+.

Application

You have to apply to use the service. Applications are available online or in person at Transit Services. Your application must be completed, signed and returned to Transit Services by mail or in person. We will respond to you by letter within 14 days of receiving your application. If a decision is not made within 14 days, you will receive temporary eligibility.

Booking your trip

You can call the booking line at 345-0777 up to seven (7) days in advance to book your ride. Bookings are made on a first come, first served basis so it's best to call seven (7) days ahead of time. The booking line is open weekdays at 8:30 am-12:30 am, Saturdays 9:00 am-12:30 am and Sundays 9:00 am-11:30 pm. Voicemail is available during the off-hours for cancellations only. All trip requests are based on availability. If your trip is not available, we can put your trip on a wait list. We will call you closer to the day of travel is we can provide your trip for you.

Cancellations

You must call the booking line to cancel your trip at least two (2) hours before the scheduled time or it will be considered late. You will be charged $3 for all late cancellations. If the booking line is closed, you can leave a voicemail to cancel your trip.

Children

Children under the age of 12 cannot travel alone on Lift+. They must have a travel companion with them at all times. If the child requires a booster seat as per Ministry of Transportation guidelines, it is the passenger's responsibility to provide a valid seat.

Companions

You can have someone travel with you if you book their trip and there is room on the bus. Companions pay regular bus fare.

Eligibility

Your eligibility for the service is determined by your ability to use Thunder Bay Transit. There are three levels of eligibility that you can apply for:

Unconditional - you are not able to use Thunder Bay Transit at all

Conditional - you can use Thunder Bay Transit sometimes

Temporary - you cannot use Thunder Bay Transit for short period of time

Your eligibility is reviewed a minimum of every three (3) years.

Fares and ID cards

You can use any approved fare to pay for your trip. You have to have an ID card to use the service. ID cards are available at Transit Services.

Hand-to-hand

You can ride the bus by yourself but you can't be left alone at your drop off location. An attendant has to be available at your destination or Lift+ will not leave you alone. You are responsible for making sure your attendant will be waiting.

Hours of operation

Lift+ service hours are the same as Thunder Bay Transit. Monday to Saturday, you can book pick up times 6:00 am-12:00 am and Sundays 8:00 am-11:00 pm.

No show

Your trip will be considered a no show if:

You are not ready to leave within 10 minutes of the booked pick-up time, either before or after.

You decide not to take your trip after the van has arrived to pick you up.

You will be charged $6 for all no show trips.

Permanent rides

If you have trips that you make on a regular basis - same day(s), same time and same location - you can request a permanent ride. Your trip will be booked each week for you. Your only responsibility is to call and cancel if you are not going. All requests are based on availability.

Support person

A support person can travel with you free of charge. You have to have an ID card that shows that a support person is required. You have to complete a support person application form for Lift+ and return the form to Transit Services.

Taxi scrip

If you are an active Lift+ passenger, you can purchase taxi scrips that allow for 30% cost savings off the metered fare of a taxi. You have to have a valid ID card. You are responsible for calling and booking your own taxis.

Transit skills assessments

If we are not able to determine if you qualify for the service, we may invite you to an in person interview or a transit skills assessment. We will provide you with a ride at no cost.

Visitors

If you are a visitor to the city and are unable to use Thunder Bay Transit, you may be able to use Lift+ during your time in the city. It may take up to 14 days for your application to be approved, make sure you apply before coming to the city.

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